1. Minister of
Foreign Affairs Park Jin had a meeting and an official dinner with State
Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi in Qingdao, Shandong
Province, on August 9. They had in-depth discussions on issues of mutual
interest, including Korea-China relations, issues on the Korean Peninsula, and
regional and global affairs.
2. The two
ministers appreciated that Korea-China relations have developed in a range of
areas, including political, economic, social, and cultural affairs, over the
past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, and exchanged
views on future cooperation to make bilateral relations more mature and
healthier.
o The two sides
agreed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic ties in various and meaningful ways, and decided to discuss ways to
continue to develop an annual 1.5-track communication platform between experts
of the two countries, based on the experience and achievements of the Committee
for Future-Oriented Development of Korea-China Relations, which was launched
last year.
o In particular,
Foreign Minister Park proposed a joint action plan for the future development
of Korea-China relations to lead consultations on the way forward for the
development of Korea-China relations and promote communication and cooperation
at regional and global levels. The two ministers agreed to advance the plan
through follow-up discussions and reviews.
3. The two sides
noted that close high-level communication and exchanges, including between the
two nations’ leaders, have taken place since the inauguration of the new Korean
government, and agreed on the need to further facilitate various dialogue
channels, in addition to the high-level conversation between the two countries.
o Especially, the
two sides decided to further strengthen strategic communication between the two
countries in foreign affairs and security, and decided to hold the Vice Foreign
Ministerial Strategic Dialogue face-to-face in Seoul at the earliest possible
time this year, while working to hold a Foreign and Defense Vice-Ministerial
(2+2) meeting this year.
o Foreign Minister
Park mentioned that he expects President Xi Jinping to visit Korea at a
mutually convenient time, and invited State Councilor Wang to visit Korea
within this year. State Councilor Wang agreed on the importance of high-level
communication, including between the two nations’ leaders, and offered to
closely coordinate on this.
4. The two sides
agreed on the need for a qualitative leap forward in economic cooperation
between the two countries, which has achieved remarkable results over the past
30 years, and decided to continuously cooperate for this.
o In particular,
the two ministers decided to strengthen communication and dialogue for stable
management of the supply chain, as the tightly connected supply chain between
Korea and China has a practical impact on the daily lives of the two peoples
and corporate activities of the two countries.
o The two sides
decided to accelerate the follow-up negotiations on Korea-China FTA in the
service and investment sectors, which resumed in July, while strengthening
communication and cooperation on regional multilateral consultative bodies,
such as the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) and the Regional Economy
Partnership Agreement (RCEP). In addition, the two sides decided to deepen
cooperation on the achievement of carbon neutrality by mid-21st century, fine
dust and climate change.
5. The two
ministers discussed various creative ways to promote friendship and bond
between the two peoples, which is the basis for the development of Korea-China
relations, and to revitalize people-to-people exchanges, which have been
dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic, in preparation for the post-COVID-19 era.
o Especially,
Foreign Minister Park emphasized that cultural contents exchanges are the
fastest and most effective way to bring closer the hearts of the two peoples,
especially the younger generation, and mentioned that the two sides should
substantially expand exchanges in areas such as movies, broadcasting, games,
and music.
o In response,
State Councilor Wang stressed that China is taking an active attitude toward
strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which is an important
part of Korea-China relations, and said that the two sides should make efforts
for this.
o Moreover, the two
ministers appreciated that direct flights between Incheon and Beijing resumed
as of July 23, and decided to cooperate closely so that other flights,
including direct flights between Incheon and Shanghai, which are currently
under discussion between the aviation authorities of the two countries, could
also resume smoothly.
6. The two sides
exchanged views on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. Foreign
Minister Park mentioned that the Korean government is preparing a denuclearization
roadmap that covers political, economic, and security measures, including an
‘audacious plan’ that can dramatically improve the economy and the quality of
life of the people of the DPRK, if the DPRK takes substantial steps toward
denuclearization. Foreign Minister Park also asked the Chinese side to play a
constructive role in inducing the DPRK to choose dialogue and diplomacy over
provocation.
o Foreign Minister
Park emphasized that, if the DPRK finally decides to make provocations, the
international community, including the United Nations, should unite to respond
firmly and proposed that the two countries continue close communication on the
nuclear issue of the DPRK.
o State Councilor
Wang stressed that China will continue to make possible efforts for peace on
the Korean Peninsula.
7. The two
ministers also had extensive discussions on various regional and global
affairs.
o Foreign Minister
Park hoped that the two countries would cooperate for regional and global peace
and prosperity beyond the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, based on the
spirits of universal values and norms. He also emphasized the need to seek new
cooperation in a rapidly changing international environment.
o In addition,
Foreign Minister Park mentioned that there is a great need for communication
and cooperation among Korea, China and Japan for peace and stability in
Northeast Asia, and that as a chair country, Korea will continue its efforts to
hold the 9th Trilateral Summit. In response, State Councilor Wang
stressed that he actively supports Korea's efforts and roles.
o Meanwhile,
Foreign Minister Park asked China to support Korea's bid to host the World Expo
in Busan, considering the 30th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic ties between the two countries this year and their experience in
cooperation with each other on celebratory events.
8. This meeting was
held in August, marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations between the two countries, and it is of great significance
as it served as an opportunity to explore the way forward for the future
development of Korea-China relations, to actively seek and promote practical
cooperation in areas closely related to the daily lives of the peoples and
companies of the two countries, and to improve strategic communication between
the two countries in order to enhance mutual understanding, manage current
issues stably, and explore common interests.